Individual donors are important to every non-profit organization. Still, we were surprised and filled with gratitude when Arthur, an inmate at Pendleton Correctional Facility, began sending us donations from his small income as a facility employee. He learned about our work through a member of our Inmate Correspondence Team and wanted to help.

His donation always comes with a message of encouragement and thanks, and he is faithful in his giving. Like the widow in the parable of The Widow’s Mite, Arthur gives not from his surplus, but all he has to give. We are blessed to have him as part of our circle of support.

If you would like to explore the possibility of becoming a UNITE INDY Inmate Correspondent, click here.

Julie Mennel and her staff work tirelessly for those who qualify under the 2014 Indiana Second Chance Law to expunge criminal records. She says, "I don't have to tell you how impossible it is for a person with a criminal record to get the job they are really qualified for, or to get housing where their family feels safe." She refers to the work as Project GRACE, and feels called to "seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly," as directed in Micah 6:8. "It's a privilege to walk with those who are ready and deserving of a second chance," she added.

Julie and others at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic are partners with UNITE INDY in the restoration of lives after incarceration. Our thanks to them for all they do!

Schedule an appointment here! Check out their web site here.

You’re approved! These are the come-ons payday lenders use. They know how irresistible a quick and easy $300 sounds to someone who is desperate. Seven out of 10 borrowers spend the money on recurring monthly expenses—money they’ll need next month too, when they are trying pay the first loan off. The typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 399% on loans that are targeted at poor consumers with little financial literacy, and most have to take out second, third and fourth loans to pay off the earlier loans. Bankruptcy is common.

Predatory lending affects small businesses and the elderly too. We'll expose some of these lending methods in the months to come, but here's an example: Equity Stripping. The borrower is desperate and can't pay his bills. But, if there is a lot of equity in his home, the lender knows eventually, he'll be able to get his hands on it. Pretty soon the borrower is not only broke, he is homeless.

Indiana legislators take notice: Thirty-two states now cap the APR at 36 % for a $2000, six month loan. We need to stop lining the pockets of those who are nothing less than predators to the poor, elderly, and needy. There is a growing coalition to get a common sense rate cap in place, of which UNITE INDY is a part.

To learn more, click here.

Larry Smith, who serves as Chairman of the Board for UNITE INDY is the new President and CEO at Fathers and Families Center. His nonprofit leadership experience spans 20 years, most recently as Director of Development for Central Indiana Community Foundation/Hamilton County Community Foundation. Prior to that, he was Founder and CEO of Leading Edge Advisory Firm, working primarily with nonprofit organizations to provide guidance on board development, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Seventy-five percent of juveniles in prison say they had no father in the home. Fathers matter! Congratulations Larry, for taking on this important work.

You can congratulate him yourself on LinkedIN or Facebook

Executives say we’ve entered the "Era of Aggressive Entitlement." According to a new survey, 1 in 5 executive leaders agree: “No one wants to work,” and a Gallup poll says that 86% of employees are “actively disengaged at work.” Wow. Actively disengaged? Try that with parts coming down the assembly line at a rate of three every minute and you have to solder two wires onto the part in 20 seconds and get it back on the moving belt. That was my summer job on the line at a factory making loud speakers. But whatever the job, a job is an important part of the development of a successful life. In many homes today, the ONLY work a child is encouraged to do is homework. They don’t make their beds, pick up a dish, or wash a car. No wonder many adults are left wondering if their 30-something ‘child’ will ever move out of their basement. Read Nancy’s blog post here!

UNITE INDY fights the root cause of poverty, which impacts some of the most pressing problems we face in our city, such as hunger, homelessness, and interrupted educational opportunities for children.

Our major focus is to assist the 12,000 inmates returning to Central Indiana after long-term jail sentences. UNITE INDY provides mentored job training inside the jail, and a website for those with a criminal record, SecondChanceIndy.com, filled with job openings offered by our Second Chance employer partners.

1. Volunteer to be a Champion (mentor). 

2. Volunteer to be a Prayer Team Leader. 

3. Become a Member - Your tax deductible gift will buy either 5 Student Workbooks for a class or 10 meals for students, their mentors, and instructors to gather around a table before each class, sharing food, transforming the moment into something more unique by creating a sense of community, which strengthens the relationship building process. 

A big Thank YOU to our Corporate Partners for their unwavering support which makes it possible for us to provide our services at no charge to job applicants and employers!

Did someone share this email with you? Sign up to subscribe to our newsletter!